Moving forward

It’s been about three weeks since I moved to San Francisco — the roller coaster ride started about 4–6 months ago when I first made the decision to really look deep at figuring out what the next chapter of my life would be.

At first, it was about running — running away from a job, running away from a city that had been so deeply tied to the person I had been in love with. That part of the last year was rough and without the support of so many folks around me, I don’t think I would have been able to come so far. I’m so happy that I’m here today though and I think it’s important to reflect on that and capture as much of what I’ve felt throughout this time before I forget. (Thank you to those that lent an ear, shared a drink, ran off with me to the Olympics or befriended me through one of the many little adventures I had this year).

For some time, I was sick. Sick with depression and I didn’t fully recognize it and even when I did, I didn’t know what to do because, well, I was sick. I think back to moments from a year ago, a year and a half ago and cringe when I think about the actions I took, or the way I handled situations and I wish I had been able to better understand what depression really could do to one so that I could be the happy, joyful person I truly am.

I’m glad I’m here now though. I miss Seattle a whole lot — and I cried a lot the first day of that drive home — however, I’m glad that I got to spend 4 incredible years there. I miss the friends, the late summer nights, the ultimate frisbee community, the community in general, and so many other things. The drive back was a well needed reset — Cannon Beach (beach), Newport (beer), Eureka (beer, oysters, redwoods).

There’s something wonderful about traveling alone & the opportunities it gives one. The meeting of strangers, walks through redwoods, (terrible) guitar playing out of the back of your car — it’s all something we don’t typically have a whole lot of time to do.

What’s it like being in San Francisco and working for a startup though?

Incredibly exciting, terrifying, invigorating, and so much more (which I’ll figure out soon). I’m ecstatic to be working to help get people better at scale, and even more so, to be working on a problem that helps people like myself out. It’s a big, ambitious mission and I’m coming to work everyday pumped to make something happen. There’s so much to do — helping the team be even better operationally, designing the right solution for providers and patients, prioritizing and providing structure where necessary and helping to fill for the team when they’ve needed extra help. It’s addicting. I think the other PMs from my former team (WAC), will also agree. Four of us have come down to SF in pursuit of opportunities to grow and do some really amazing things — I can’t wait to see how the next year goes.